HS 988091 Classified in Chapter 91
Quick Answer: Products classified under HS code 988091, which falls within Chapter 91 of the Harmonized System, are not assigned specific duty rates by major customs authorities like the UK or EU, as indicated by CustomTariffs data. This code is a placeholder or a specific internal classification rather than a standard tariff line for goods. Importers and customs brokers should note that this code likely signifies a special administrative or statistical purpose within a particular jurisdiction, rather than a direct duty assessment. Further investigation into the specific importing country's customs regulations and any associated national subdivisions of Chapter 91 is crucial to determine applicable duties and any potential trade considerations.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9880910000 | — | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9880910000 | — | — | — |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 988091 cover?
This subheading covers products classified within Chapter 91 of the Harmonized System (HS) nomenclature, which pertains to clocks and watches and their parts. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes and definitions found in official tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC, this includes a broad range of timekeeping devices such as wristwatches, pocket watches, alarm clocks, wall clocks, and their essential components like movements, cases, and dials, provided they meet the specific criteria for classification under Chapter 91.
What falls outside HS 988091?
The following products are excluded from HS 988091, even if they incorporate timekeeping elements: devices primarily functioning as other articles, such as timers integrated into machinery for industrial processes, or decorative items where the timekeeping function is secondary. For instance, a digital display on a kitchen appliance showing the time is not classified under Chapter 91, nor are sophisticated electronic devices like smartphones that have a time display function but are classified under their primary function (e.g., telecommunications equipment).
What are common classification mistakes for HS 988091?
A common error is misinterpreting the primary function of an item. For example, classifying a complex electronic device with a time display as a watch or clock when its main purpose is data processing or communication. Another mistake involves incorrectly applying General Interpretative Rule 3(b) of the Harmonized System, which states that goods mixed or combined of different materials or components are to be classified as if they consisted of the material or component which gives them their essential character. Importers may also overlook specific exclusions within Chapter 91.
How should importers classify products under HS 988091?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 988091 involves a thorough review of the product's components, materials, and primary function against the headings and subheadings within Chapter 91 of the Harmonized System. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) and its accompanying Explanatory Notes. A detailed product description, including technical specifications and intended use, is crucial for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 988091?
A Swiss-made mechanical wristwatch with a declared customs value of $500 USD, and a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, would attract a US duty of $17.50 ($500 × 0.035). This calculation is based on the ad valorem duty rate applied to the declared value of the goods. The specific duty rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under the relevant subheading within Chapter 91.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 988091?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 988091, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a self-certified origin statement is typically required, detailing the origin of the goods and compliance with the agreement's rules of origin. Other agreements may offer reduced rates for specific countries of origin, necessitating appropriate origin documentation.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for goods classified under HS code 988091, which falls under Chapter 91 (Clocks and watches)?
Goods classified under HS code 988091, pertaining to Chapter 91 (Clocks and watches), face varying duty rates depending on the importing country and specific product. For instance, under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for many timekeeping devices can range from 0% to 15% ad valorem, with specific rates detailed for different types of clocks and watches. The EU's TARIC system and the UK's Trade Tariff also provide specific rates, often influenced by the complexity and components of the timekeeping device. Importers must consult the official tariff schedule of their destination country for precise rates.
How is the duty for HS code 988091 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty calculation for HS code 988091 typically involves an ad valorem rate (a percentage of the item's value) or a specific rate (a fixed amount per unit), or a combination. For example, if a country imposes a 5% ad valorem duty on a watch movement valued at $100, the import duty would be $5 (5% of $100). If there's also a specific duty of $0.50 per piece, the total duty would be $5.50. Always verify the exact calculation method and applicable rates from the official customs tariff of the importing country.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS code 988091?
When importing goods under HS code 988091 (Clocks and watches), standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the specific product and origin, additional documentation may be necessary. This could include a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, or specific declarations regarding the materials used (e.g., precious metals) or compliance with safety standards. Customs brokers should be consulted for jurisdiction-specific requirements.
Do common trade agreements, such as free trade agreements (FTAs), affect the duty rates for HS code 988091?
Yes, common trade agreements can significantly affect duty rates for HS code 988091. For example, under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), certain watches and clocks originating from Canada or Mexico may qualify for preferential duty rates, potentially reducing or eliminating tariffs. Similarly, agreements between the EU and other countries, or the UK's trade deals, can offer reduced duties. To benefit from these agreements, importers must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin and provide a valid certificate of origin as proof. Consulting the relevant trade agreement text and the importing country's tariff schedule is crucial.
What are the key classification criteria for determining if a product falls under HS code 988091 within Chapter 91?
Classification under HS code 988091, within Chapter 91 (Clocks and watches), hinges on the product's primary function and mechanism. Key criteria include whether the item is designed to keep, indicate, or record time. This encompasses a wide range of goods, from simple wristwatches and wall clocks to more complex chronometers and time-recording apparatus. The WCO's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes provide detailed guidance. For instance, a device primarily for timing a specific event (like a stopwatch function) might be classified differently than a device whose main purpose is to display the time of day. Importers and brokers must carefully analyze the product's features against the chapter notes and subheadings.